Thursday, November 20, 2008

Today is the 10th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance commemorating all those in the transgender community who lost their lives due transphobia, misunderstanding, and pure hate.

Prayer for Transgender Day of Remembrance

"God full of mercy, bless the souls of all who are in our hearts on this Transgender Day of Remembrance. We call to mind today young and old, of every race, faith, and gender experience, who have died by violence. We remember those who have died because they would not hide, or did not pass, or did pass, or stood too proud, or looked like someone who did. Today we name them: the reluctant activist; the fiery hurler of heels; the warrior for quiet truth; the one whom no one really knew.

As many as we can name, there are thousands more whom we cannot, and for whom no prayer may have been said. We mourn their senseless deaths, and give thanks for their lives, for their teaching, and for the brief glow of each holy flame. We pray for the strength to carry on their legacy of vision, bravery, and love.

And as we remember them, we remember with them the thousands more who have taken their own lives. We pray for resolve to root out the injustice, ignorance, and cruelty that grow despair. And we pray, God, that all those who perpetrate hate and violence will speedily come to understand that Your creation has many faces, many genders, many holy expressions.

Blessed are they, who have allowed their divine image to shine in the world.

Please use the opporunity to commemorate a friend or loved one who has suffered due to transphobia, regardless of whether one is theist, atheist, and regardless of your particular faith, please keep those names in your heart today and think about how we can all work to make this world a better and more just place regardless of ones gender identity/expression.

Bad chosen day, November 20th, because it is the anniversary of the death of José Antonio Primo de Rivera (founder of the Spanish fascist party) and Francisco Franco (military dictator) and it's a day of remembrance, not only for fascist groups but also for anti-fascist groups.

Every year a ghost comes around to remind me how lucky I was that one night in October. I do care about all who parish and the sadness that goes with knowing. I will one day not hurt as much when this day of remembrance comes along.

Thank you for this reminder. As an activist dyke, I sometimes get caught up in "my" issues. But I'm so grateful for the cultural, activist, and personal contributions of the gender non-normative in our community. I will join the WEHO vigil tonight.